Landlords face a property licensing boom in 2024

Landlords in the UK are witnessing a surge in property licensing schemes and consultations in 2024, according to Kamma.

The firm helps landlords and letting agents comply with licensing regulations and its data points to 2024 gearing up to beat 2023’s record of 32 new schemes.

There are 19 schemes and consultations already taking place in the first four months of the year.

‘2024 is a pivotal year for property licensing’

Kamma’s chief executive, Orla Shields, said: “2024 is a pivotal year for property licensing in the UK.

“With a record number of new schemes and consultations, the landscape is shifting rapidly.”

She added: “Landlords and agents must be vigilant in ensuring that their properties are licensed.”

New schemes have been introduced

Six new schemes have been introduced in Greenwich, Nottingham, Islington, Warwick and Luton this year.

Plus, London leads the way with active consultations in Haringey, Lambeth, Waltham Forest and Bexley.

Kamma says there is a high demand for new selective and additional licensing measures in the capital.

Luton council launched both selective and additional licensing schemes this week, becoming the latest council to adopt these measures.

Schemes are due to expire this year

Fourteen schemes are due to expire this year, but Kamma predicts that most of them will be renewed as councils try to act before the Renters (Reform) Bill is passed.

The new Bill could limit their ability to impose selective licensing schemes.

Kamma also points to Newham council which has demonstrated its tough stance on enforcement by issuing its first ever banning order to a landlord for renting out an unlicensed property.

The firm says this highlights a common trend among councils to crack down on non-compliant landlords and agents amid the growing number of schemes.